Style Exclusive: Coronation Street's Jennie McAlpine

Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has been a familiar face on our screens for over 18 years, playing the feisty Fiz.

The 35-year-old Rossendale actress recently returned to the cobbles, following her maternity leave, after welcoming her second born, Hilda, with husband Chris Farr.

Style caught up with Jennie to discuss life on the world's longest running soap, following in Jack and Vera's footsteps, and why mental health awareness is a topic close to her heart...

Style: How's life back on the cobbles after your maternity leave?

Jennie: It’s lovely being back with my Corrie family. I was scared I would have forgotten how to do it, especially remembering lines! But after a day, it felt like I’d never been away.

Has baby Hilda been on set?

She’s been to visit a few times. I can’t really bring her to the set with me while I’m filming. I’m not sure she’d quite get the memo to be quiet!

Any hints as to what is coming up for Fiz?

Lots! It’s been a busy time since I’ve been back. We’ve had lots of scenes in the Dobbs house and that’s my favourite place to be. Evelyn is there giving her opinion on it all too!

Copyright ITV Pictures

Are Fiz and Tyrone the next Jack & Vera?!

That is a huge compliment whenever it’s said to me and Al [Alan Halsall]. There’s absolutely only one Jack and Vera. It’s an honour to still be living in their house and filming around the table they filmed so many scenes at. I love it when they are talked about in the show. We must never lose that sense of history.

Of the many scenes you’ve been involved in during your 18 years at Corrie, do you have an all-time favourite?

That’s such a hard question. I love Tyrone and Fiz scenes as Alan Halsall is a real mate. He makes me laugh and it’s so easy and comfy doing those scenes. Also scenes with my little brother. I adore working with Sam and I do annoyingly treat him like my real little brother! And Roy. The storyline that touched people so much was Hayley’s death. It was an honour to be a part of those amazing scenes.

Copyright ITV Pictures

What do you think it is about Coronation Street that makes it so popular and the world's longest running soap?

It is still as Tony Warren described it “peeping behind the net curtains”. Everyone loves to know what people are up to and keep up with the gossip. And Coronation Street gives us that.

We’re focusing on mental wellbeing in this issue so we wanted to ask about your work/life balance. How are you finding life as a mum of two with such a busy career?

It’s really hard work. If I’m honest there’s not many days when I think I’m getting it right. If I could have a parallel universe where I could be at work and at home I’d do that. But I can’t, so I try to get the best balance I can. And a good moan to other mums who understand is really helpful at times!

Your father was a mental health advocate and received an OBE for his services to Moodswings, a mental health charity in Manchester. Are you involved in the charity yourself?

Absolutely. My Dad was an amazing man who founded Moodswings all those years ago. The charity is opening a community cafe at the premises at New Mount Street in Manchester very soon. The cafe will help to support people into work and into a fulfilling place in the community. Something my Dad was so passionate about.

Copyright ITV Pictures

Regarding maternal mental health, is there any advice you would like to offer to new mums?

Firstly, if you are struggling, don’t be alone. Talk to your GP or midwife. There is help and if things are tough you mustn’t face it alone. Being a new mum is an amazing thing, but also a really scary and isolating time. I’m such a believer in getting out to play groups, baby groups, story times at the library. Get out wherever you can to meet other mums and chat. It’s so important. It’s hard to get chatting at first, but everyone is in the same boat. I don’t know what I’d have done without them.

We loved watching you on I’m A Celebrity, in 2017. Are there any Corrie friends who you think would be great in the jungle? And what advice would you give them?

Thank you! It feels like forever ago now. I had the best time in there though, and met some brilliant people. I can think of a few mates who’d be great. I don’t know what advice I’d give them - I guess practise having cold showers and talking to yourself!

You own the lovely Annie's Tea Shop and Restaurant in Manchester, so we thought it only right to ask your favourite drink and cake…!

Cup of tea definitely. For the cake, I’m torn between carrot cake or a scone with jam and cream (jam first, then cream).

Ruth Parkinson